Witham: Man charged with murder

Detectives investigating the death of a man following an incident in Witham have charged a man with murder.

Emergency services were called to an address in Philip Road on Wednesday 8 January after reports of a man sustaining a head injury.

He was taken on to hospital for further treatment, but sadly later died.

Essex Police are in a position to name him as Thomas Collier, aged 79.

Initial enquiries resulted in the arrest of a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

A murder charge has since been secured against Jimmy Collier, 41, of Philip Road, Witham.

He appeared before magistrates on Friday 17 January and was remanded in custody until a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday 20 January.

Our investigation is ongoing and we continue to maintain a visible policing presence in the area.

Detective Inspector Richard Canning, senior investigating officer, said:

“We’ve had a dedicated team of officers investigating this incident since it was first reported to us.
“A grieving family coming to terms with the awful circumstances of this matter remain at the heart of our investigation.
“I would urge against speculation while the court process gets underway.
“There will be a time and place for the details of this case to be considered.
“We are maintaining a visible policing presence across the Witham area, but I would reassure the community that there is no wider risk to them as a result of this incident.”